By KT Reporter
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has vowed to deliver a lasting solution to the long-standing Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) land conflicts affecting the Benet community in the Sebei sub-region, particularly around Mt. Elgon National Park.
Addressing campaign rallies on Monday, October 13, in Bukwo and Kween districts, Nandala criticized President Yoweri Museveni for failing to address issues of permanent resettlement and alleged killings of civilians by UWA rangers. “You have voted for Museveni several times, hoping he would address these serious concerns, but now you must accept that he is a liar.
He has no clear agenda for the people of Sebei,” Nandala told the crowd, drawing cheers and chants of approval. The FDC candidate promised that, if elected in the 2026 general elections, his administration would prioritize resettling displaced persons and compensating families of those allegedly killed during violent encounters with UWA. Nandala accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of neglecting the indigenous Benet community, many of whom continue to live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps under poor conditions.
During his campaign, Nandala visited the Kisangani IDP camp in Bukwo, interacting with residents who expressed frustration over decades of marginalization and unfulfilled government promises regarding land rights and basic services. The rallies faced several disruptions, with Uganda Police mounting roadblocks to hinder the processions. At the final rally, police attempted to cut Nandala’s speech short due to time restrictions, but residents defied the enforcement and chanted for him to continue.
In addition to addressing land issues, Nandala pledged to reform the education sector, promising equal salaries for teachers across disciplines, both sciences and arts, and committing to making education more accessible for teachers’ children. “Teachers are builders of the nation, but are often neglected. Under my leadership, their children will study free of charge from primary to university,” he said.
FDC Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, who accompanied Nandala on the campaign trail, rallied support for the candidate, highlighting his personal connection to the region’s challenges. “Nandala is a victim of non-resettlement himself. He has consistently raised issues of UWA brutality and land injustice, but he has been ignored by a government that lacks patriotism,” Amuriat said.
“He is your neighbor. He drinks from the same streams of Mt. Elgon and you share the same salt. He understands your pain, so kindly give him a chance to serve you as president.” The Benet, an indigenous community once living freely on the slopes of Mt. Elgon, were evicted after the area was gazetted as a national park.
Decades later, efforts to permanently resettle them remain incomplete, leaving many landless and in legal uncertainty. Nandala’s remarks come as opposition parties intensify campaigns in historically marginalized areas ahead of the 2026 general elections. The Sebei sub-region has long voiced grievances over inadequate representation and state neglect, especially concerning land rights and alleged human rights violations linked to wildlife conservation efforts.
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